Thailand has officially revised its visa exemption and Visa on Arrival (VoA) schemes following approval by the Cabinet on May 19, 2026. The changes, announced by the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will take effect 15 days after their publication in the Royal Gazette and affect travelers from dozens of countries. If you are planning a trip to Thailand, here is everything you need to know.
The 60-Day Visa Exemption Is Cancelled
The most significant change is the complete cancellation of the 60-day visa exemption. This benefit, which previously applied to citizens of 93 countries and territories, has been fully revoked. Travelers who used this scheme to stay in Thailand for up to two months without a visa will need to seek alternatives.
What Changes for the 30-Day Exemption?
The 30-day visa exemption for tourism remains in place, but the list of eligible countries has been reduced from 57 to 54. If your country was previously on the list, it is worth confirming whether it remains eligible before booking your trip.
New 15-Day Exemption for 3 Countries
A new 15-day visa exemption scheme for tourism has been introduced, applicable to citizens of 3 specific countries or territories. Full details on which countries are included will be published in the relevant Ministry of Interior announcements in the Royal Gazette.
Visa on Arrival Practically Eliminated
The Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme has been drastically reduced. The number of eligible countries has dropped from 31 to just 4. Travelers who previously used this option to obtain their visa upon arrival at Thai airports will, in most cases, need to apply for a visa before leaving their home country.
One Exemption Per Country: The New Rule
From now on, Thailand will apply a single type of visa exemption per country. This change aims to eliminate the confusion caused by overlapping privileges and encourage the use of the electronic visa (e-Visa) system, which allows travelers to apply for their visa online before their trip.
Why Is Thailand Making These Changes?
According to the official press briefing from the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the revision is based on five considerations:
- National security.
- Tourism and economic interests.
- Reciprocity with other countries.
- Reduction of overlapping exemption privileges that can create confusion among foreign visitors.
- The convenience offered by the e-Visa system, which becomes the preferred channel for entering the country.
What Should Travelers Do Now?
If you are planning to travel to Thailand and have until now relied on the 60-day exemption or the Visa on Arrival, you will likely need to apply for a Thailand e-Visa before your departure. The e-Visa application process can be completed entirely online, allowing you to arrive in Thailand with your visa already approved.
The exact date of entry into force will be confirmed once the measures are published in the Royal Gazette. We recommend checking your country's eligibility and applying for your visa as far in advance as possible to avoid any last-minute issues.
